PGEN

Zacks Research showcased strong performance across its various investment portfolios and rating systems during the week ended October 2, 2026. Multiple stocks received upgrades and delivered significant gains, including CRCT and PGEN surging 32% and 30.8% respectively following recommendation upgrades. The Zacks Rank #1 portfolio outperformed the S&P 500 by 2.3 percentage points year-to-date, while the Focus List portfolio returned 19.86% versus 13.14% for the S&P 500 through August 31, 2026.

Economic data shows mixed signals with softer-than-expected PCE inflation and stronger-than-expected Q2 GDP growth. Market attention is turning to Friday's employment report. Precigen shares surged 6.3% on growing investor confidence in sales of its FDA-approved drug Papzimeos for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, with expected quarterly earnings up 181.8% year-over-year.

Precigen (PGEN) and Ironwood Pharmaceuticals (IRWD) are biotech companies heavily dependent on single marketed drugs. Precigen's Papzimeos generated $74.6 million in revenues in H1 2026 with strong growth momentum and market exclusivity until 2032, while Ironwood's Linzess saw a 72.6% year-over-year profit surge. Precigen is rated as the better investment pick with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) versus Ironwood's Rank #2 (Buy), offering clearer long-term growth prospects despite higher valuation multiples.